But a spokesman told me this week that the so-called Personal Sound[7] product is now expected to be released in early May. It will be available directly through Able Planet[8] and select national retailers.

Able Planet chief executive Kevin Semcken[9] showed off the product at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, boasting about how it will offer those with hearing loss a lower-priced alternative to hearing aids[10].

“We’re introducing personal amplification products under the trade name Personal Sound,” Semcken said. “Our Personal Sound products will outperform their hearing aids, and they’re going to be half the price.”